What if I Didn’t Call the Police After a Fender Bender?

If you didn’t call the police after a fender bender in South Carolina, you should take specific steps to protect yourself now because you could still face serious issues down the road. Even a fender bender can lead to injuries, disputes over fault, or insurance problems later. Likewise, unavoidable accidents in SC must be reported, and failing to do so can complicate your ability to recover damages or defend yourself.

If you’re in this situation, don’t panic. If things get complicated, our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys at L. Morgan Martin can handle your claim and ensure you get any compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

Why Skipping a Police Report Can Create Problems Later

It’s easy to understand why many people skip calling the police after a fender bender. Perhaps the damage seemed minor, no one appeared hurt, or you and the other driver agreed to settle the matter privately. But even in what feels like a seemingly minor situation, calling the police can protect you more than you might realize.

Why? A police report creates an official record of the accident. That record can be essential later if the other driver changes their story, if hidden damage becomes apparent, or if you start to experience pain hours or days after the crash. Without that report, it becomes your word against theirs, and that’s not a position you want to be in when dealing with greedy insurance companies.

Even minor crashes can result in injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that don’t exhibit symptoms right away. If you didn’t report the collision at the scene, the insurance company might argue your injury came from something else entirely.

What to Do if You’re in a Minor Accident in South Carolina

If you skipped calling law enforcement and now realize the accident may have been more serious than you thought, here’s what you should do:

• Gather any documentation you have, including photos, witness details, insurance information, and notes about what happened.
• Report the fender bender within 15 days of the crash if the damage exceeded $1,000 (which is very common even in fender benders) or if someone was hurt.
• You should also notify your insurance company, even if you haven’t made a claim yet. Many policies require prompt notice after a crash, and delaying that could jeopardize coverage.

Finally, if the other driver is now claiming injuries or faulting you for the accident, or if you’re starting to feel the effects of the crash yourself, talk to a South Carolina car accident lawyer, especially before agreeing to any settlement or signing any documents.

You may think you don’t need legal help after a minor crash, but things can get complicated quickly, especially if you don’t call the police. Insurance companies might use that against you, or the other driver might try to blame you for something you didn’t do.

Our Skilled Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Even if you’re not sure whether your accident requires legal help, it’s worth a conversation. Many personal injury firms, including L. Morgan Martin, offer free consultations so you can understand your options with no pressure. To arrange your no-cost consultation with our South Carolina car accident attorneys, contact us at (843) 248-3177 or reach out to us online.